We have a basal, but I HATE using teacher manuals (thanks to Samford who did not let us use them) and I never have used them. I'm lucky, because as long as we're meeting all the standards and our kids are performing, the district lets us teach the way we feel is best for our class. We implemented common core this year and are really leaning towards not buying a new reading series next time and getting quality literature to use with thematic units.

So funny! I didn't start this year until October because of Chad's wreck and when I did, the principal said, "I'm going to have to search for some manuals." I told her not to even worry about it! I have so much more fun without them and I think teachers know what their kids need better than a manual :).

Great conversation! I am curious about how Common Core works with Basal series. We are moving towards Common Core in a year and also RTI. In RTI, they stress using research based materials with fidelity. So now our principal and toher peopel are telling us we have to use our adopted series. How does that work with Common Core? I do not like using the adopted series, as I have been teaching the same standards in a much more interact and engaging way. UGH! I hope to come back to see more on this topic!

Our basal series does not meet common core at all, especially in a fun way! I have heard that the publishing companies are all working on new series that address common core, but haven't seen those yet. We'll see.